Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Abilene, TX & Arlington, TX
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Arlington Baptist University, they're comparing two Christian institutions in Texas with dramatically different outcomes. Both serve similar student populations and share religious missions, but the completion data reveals a critical difference: ACU graduates 60% of students while Arlington Baptist graduates just 5%.
For families investing in a college degree, this completion gap represents the most important factor in the decision.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$27,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$13,070
borrowed by parents
ACU is predominantly business-focused, with 27% of graduates earning degrees in business fields. The largest programs include Sports/Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67).
Arlington Baptist is liberal arts-focused, with smaller graduating classes: Liberal Arts (10 graduates), Pastoral Counseling (7), and Business (7). These program differences reflect institutional scale — ACU produces hundreds of graduates annually while Arlington Baptist typically graduates fewer than 50 students total.
For students prioritizing degree completion and career outcomes, ACU delivers dramatically better results despite the higher cost. Arlington Baptist offers lower upfront costs but represents substantial completion risk — 19 out of 20 students don't graduate.
ACU's 60% completion rate, stronger earnings outcomes ($11,092 more), and established programs make it the safer investment for families seeking a Christian education in Texas. The data overwhelmingly points to ACU as the better choice.
While cost matters, completing a degree matters more — and Arlington Baptist's 5% graduation rate makes it unsuitable for most students.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
